The turtle festival is being celebrated since 2006.The Turtle Festival at Velas is annually organized by Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM) and the Kasav Mitra Mandal in Feb & March. This festival is meant for nature lovers, marine turtle enthusiasts, tourists and people who just want to witness this moment at least once in a lifetime!

Velas is a village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is noted as a birthplace of Nana Phadnis.He was sachiva- a secretary in Peshawai in Pune.

Bankot:

The name Bankot is derived from “Bavanna Kot” a Marathi phrase meaning fifty-two forts. The Great Shivaji Maharaj captured this tiny fort and added it to Swarajya, which was the fifty second fort and hence the name “Ban Kot”. It is a coastal area on the Arabian Sea with attractive beaches.

Dates: 20th-21st Feb 2016

Category : Biking & Tour

Location: Velas (Ratnagiri District).

Group: Vatsaru Trekkers & Traveller Club (Pune).

Things to see:

Olive Ridley Turtle

Velas Beach

Bankot Fort

Nana Fadanavis Home

Things To Remember:

1. Turtles birth is a natural process, so we cannot give guarantee of turtles birth on the mentioned dates. These are the most likely dates.

2. Velas beach has strong RIP currents so we will not allow you to go into the water with or without Life jacket / Life Guards.

3. Petrol and Maintenance cost is settled by the bike owner and the person accompanying him/her. In case, of a single rider, the petrol and maintenance charge has to be paid by rider alone.

4. All person need to carry Identity proof (Must), Bike’s Legal Papers, Helmet (Must), (Valid Driver's License, RC Book, Insurance papers and PUC is must) We would check for the license and papers at the start of the ride/drive for every biker/driver, and if any paper is not found in place, the members would not be allowed to ride with us.

5. Over-speeding will not be tolerated as usual, because mishaps cost yours as well as whole group’s time.

Last but not least: Any adventure activity is a disciplined fun. Respect nature & have Team attitude to more enjoy the trek. Alcohol & Cigarette smoking is strictly prohibited on the Rides. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the ride. NO REFUND will be provided. All rights reserved to the organizer for any last minute change in plan as per requirement.